Crimino-Vision Events

Vigilance Awareness Week in India is observed during the last week of October every year. The Department of Criminology conducted an online session on the occasion of Vigilance Awareness Week with the theme “Independent India at 75: Self Reliance with Integrity on 29th October 2021. The resource person was Ms.Vidya Vankitachalam, Branch Manager (Mangalore Branch) at Punjab and Sind Bank.

The programme began at 10:30 A.M. with an introductory note delivered by Ms. Suman Attavar. She spoke briefly on the ills of corruption, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who is infamous for his work combating corruption. Ms. Sarik Ankita, Head of the Department of Criminology, welcomed everyone with her warm words. Ms. Vidya began with a brief introduction of herself and Punjab and Sind Bank. She then, in great detail explained the key terms of vigilance- Corruption, Ethics, Integrity, Accountability and Misconduct. She then went on to explain the need for vigilance which include enhancing the image of the organization, promoting culture of honesty and integrity, reducing wastage or leakages, improving productivity, ascertaining accountability, increasing transparency and fairness and protecting honest performers. Ms. Vidya also spoke about situations where vigilance is necessary (when officials have high discretions, there is scope for jumping the queue, when rules or procedures are complex, accountability is low, when there is a delay in decision making and when opportunities to negotiate exist).Facets of Vigilance - that is, Preventive vigilance, Punitive Vigilance and Surveillance and Detection- were also explained. She explained about Social Infrastructure available-Right to Information Act, Citizens’ Charter, Integrity Pact and the Role of Media. She emphasized on the importance and role of Value Education and encouraged us to use them as tools to fight against corruption and about the Regulatory Bodies that play a hand at vigilance. These include the Central Vigilance Commission, Central Bureau of Investigation, State Anti-Corruption Agencies and the Vigilance Department. At the end of her presentation, there was a question and answer session where the students clarified their doubts.
All attendees were then asked to take the Integrity Pledge which is as follows:

“I believe that corruption has been one of the major obstacles to economic, political and social progress of our country. I believe that all stakeholders such as the Government, Citizens and Private Sector need to work together to eradicate corruption.

I realise that every citizen should be vigilant and commit to the highest standards of honesty and integrity at all times and support the fight against corruption.

I, therefore, pledge:

• To follow probity and rule of Law in all walks of life;

• To neither take nor offer bribe;

• To perform all tasks in an honest and transparent manner;

• To act in public interest;

• To lead by example exhibiting integrity in personal behaviour;

• To report any incident of corruption to the appropriate agency.”

The session was concluded after a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Amritha Shetty, Asst Professor. The resource person’s crisp PowerPoint Presentation which included interesting illustrations made it easier for the students to retain the important points. A total of 85 students along with 2 faculties attended the session.